Buckwheat Research Articles

Duplicate MADS-box genes with split roles and a genetic regulatory network of floral development in long-homostyle common buckwheat

The classic ABC model postulates how three classes of floral homeotic genes (A, B and C) work in a combinational way to confer organ identity to each whorl that make up a perfect flower in core eudicot plants. Fagopyrum esculentum (Polygonaceae) produces dimorphic flowers with single whorl showy tepals, representing a considerable difference with most core eudicots flowers. Here, we explain in detail the function of a duplicated pair of floral homeotic genes involved in the formation of tepals and stamens in the LH F. esculentum. FaesAP1_1 and FaesAP1_2 work together to specify tepal identity. FaesAP3_1/2 or FaesPI_1/2 have redundant function in specifying filament identity, while FaesAP3_2 and FaesPI_2 also retain a conserved role in specifying anther development and gain novel function in style length determination. However, FaesPI_1 gain novel function in floral color formation. In addition, FaesAG can directly regulate stamen and pistil development or binds to the CArG-box of pFaesPI_1 to indirectly regulate stamen and pistil development by a gene regulatory pathway involving FaesAP1_1/2, FaesAP3_1/2 and FaesPI_1/2. Moreover, FaesAP1_1/2 can directly or indirectly regulate B-class gene (FaesAP3_1/2 and FaesPI_1/2) expression to be involved in floral development. Our work has led to detailed insights into the MADS-box gene regulatory networks that control floral developmental process in LH F. esculentum.

Flue-cured tobacco intercropping with insectary floral plants improves rhizosphere soil microbial communities and chemical properties of flue-cured tobacco

BackgroundContinuous cropping of the same crop leads to land degradation. This is also called the continuous-cropping obstacle. Currently, intercropping tobacco with other crops can serve as an effective strategy to alleviate continuous cropping obstacles.ResultsIn this study, tobacco K326 and insectary floral plants were used as materials, and seven treatments of tobacco monoculture (CK), tobacco intercropped with Tagetes erecta, Vicia villosa, Fagopyrum esculentum, Lobularia maritima, Trifolium repens, and Argyranthemum frutescens respectively, were set up to study their effects on rhizosphere soil chemical properties and composition and structure of rhizosphere soil microbial community of tobacco. The 16 S rRNA gene and ITS amplicons were sequenced using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. tobacco/insectary floral plants intercropping can influence rhizosphere soil chemical properties, which also change rhizosphere microbial communities. The CK and treatment groups tobacco rhizosphere soil microorganisms had significantly different genera, such as tobacco intercropping with T. repens and A. frutescens significantly increased the number of Fusarium and intercropping T. erecta, V. villosa, L. maritima, T. repens, and A. frutescens significantly increased the number of Sphingomonas and unknown Gemmatimonadaceae. Additionally, intercropping T. erecta, V. villosa and L. maritima changed the rhizosphere fungal and bacteria community and composition of tobacco and the positive correlation between tobacco rhizosphere the genera of fungi and bacterial were greater than CK. The pathway of the carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism in rhizosphere bacteria were significantly decreased after continuous cropping. Fungal symbiotic trophic and saprophytic trophic were significantly increased after intercropping V. villosa, L. maritima and plant pathogen and animal pathogen were increased after intercropping T. repens and A. frutescens. Additionally, bacterial and fungal communities significantly correlated with soil chemical properties, respectively.ConclusionThis study reveals that intercropping tobacco with insectary floral plants, particularly T. erecta, V. villosa, L. maritima and A. frutescens significantly affects soil chemical properties and alters rhizosphere microbial communities, increasing the abundance of certain microbial genera. Additionally, intercropping enhances pathways related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism in rhizosphere bacteria. These findings suggest that intercropping could provide a promising strategy to overcome challenges associated with continuous tobacco cropping by regulating the rhizosphere environment.

Enhancing grape preservation: The synergistic effect of curry leaf essential oil in buckwheat starch-chitosan composite coatings

A novel edible composite coating composed of buckwheat starch (BS) and chitosan (CH) with varying levels of curry leaf essential oil (CLEO) was synthesized in the present study. Initially, starch was extracted from buckwheat groats, and its proximate analysis revealed a high amylose content (21.91 ± 0.32%), which makes it an excellent base material for coating formation. The composite coatings were created by blending BS and CH with CLEO in different concentrations. The coatings underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including physico-chemical, functional, thermal analyses, and microstructural characterization. Cytotoxicity tests on human cell lines (Caco-2) confirmed that the coatings were non-toxic. Among the various formulations, the coating with 2.0% CLEO (referred to as F5) exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, maximum antioxidant properties, and the lowest water solubility. Following this, the coatings were applied to green grapes (Vitis vinifera) via dip coating technique. The performance of coatings was assessed by storing the grapes under room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and refrigeration conditions (4 ± 1 °C). From visual appearance and physio-chemical tests, it was concluded that the F5 coating was potentially active in extending the shelf life of grapes to 12 days at room temperature and to 20 days under refrigeration storage. Overall, the BS-CH-CLEO composite coating emerges as a refined and eco-conscious bioactive packaging solution, elegantly extending the shelf life of grapes while providing both sustainability and cost-efficiency.

A Recent Advance on Phytochemicals, Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Activities of Buckwheat.

Buckwheat, a member of the Fagopyrum genus in the Polygonaceae family, is an ancient pseudocereal with noteworthy nutraceutical properties that have been relatively less explored. This crop holds great promise for the future due to its gluten-free protein, wellbalanced amino acid profile, and the presence of bioactive flavonoids that promote good health. With its gluten-free nature and a combination of beneficial nutritional components, buckwheat shows significant potential for a variety of health benefits. The objective of the present review aims to explore various nutritional and pharmacological properties of buckwheat. With the help of various search engines such as, Pubmed, Google and Semantic Scholar, research and review papers were carefully investigated and summarized in a comprehensive review. A fascinating spectrum of nutritional and pharmacological activities of common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat were explored such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neurological disorders, antiobesity, anticancer, cardiovascular agents and many more. This review provides a concise overview of the current understanding of the chemical composition of both common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat and the captivating spectrum of pharmacological activity and also underscoring their immense potential for future advancements.

Reduced canopy cover and development compromises weed suppression by buckwheat in cover crop mixtures

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a common cover crop typically grown for its rapid establishment and superior weed suppression. One challenge of incorporating buckwheat into crop rotations, however, is its short generation time, which requires in-season management to prevent viable seed production and volunteers in subsequent crops. Mixing buckwheat at reduced seeding rates with other cover crop species is one way for producers to reduce volunteer potential; however, this may compromise weed suppression. To investigate mechanisms behind buckwheat weed suppression and how using buckwheat in mixtures can affect suppression, we collected a series of morphological measurements in buckwheat monocultures and in three, two-way and four, three-way cover crop species mixtures and modeled their response over the growing season. We found that while buckwheat height and relative growth rate were unaffected with increasing species richness, there was a significant reduction in maximum leaf area index (3.75 vs. 2.85 vs. 2.82 cm2 cm-2) in mixture. Buckwheat monocultures provided superior season-long weed suppression compared to mixtures (85% vs. 53% vs. 50%). Principal component analysis showed that increased height and leaf area index values were associated with greater weed suppression. The link between reduced leaf area index and weed suppression in mixtures compared to buckwheat monocultures suggests that the rapid leaf development and canopy cover associated with buckwheat is a key mechanism behind weed suppression. In practice, producers should expect a dilution effect and weed suppression to be compromised when the buckwheat seeding rate is reduced in mixtures.

A R2R3-MYB transcription factor, FeR2R3-MYB, positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and drought tolerance in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

The R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in regulating plant secondary metabolism and abiotic stress responses, yet they are still poorly understood in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), a valuable minor grain crop resource. In this study, a candidate gene, FeR2R3-MYB, was cloned from the anthocyanin-rich common buckwheat variety ‘QZZTQ’. FeR2R3-MYB was found to contain two MYB DNA-binding domains and be located at the nucleus with transcriptional activation activity. Molecular analysis indicated that FeR2R3-MYB is predominantly expressed in flowering tissue and is highly responsive to environmental factors such as light, drought, and cold. In addition, the promoter of FeR2R3-MYB showed a positive correlation with fragment length. Further functional analysis suggested that FeR2R3-MYB not only participates in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway by interacting with leucoanthocyanidin reductase (FeLAR), but also enhances drought tolerance in common buckwheat. To sum up, FeR2R3-MYB exhibits positive effects on both pigment production (e.g., anthocyanin) and abiotic stress resistance, providing valuable insights for future research in buckwheat molecular breeding and resource development.

Maintenance of inflorescence size variability within common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivars of various origin: the phenomenon and its possible causes

Background. Intrapopulation polymorphism usually can be interpreted as a result of balancing selection, but the basic mechanisms of such selection are not always clear. Earlier we documented a wide variation in the inflorescence size within one of the most genetically uniform common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivar ‘Skorospelaya 86’, with larger sizes controlled by recessive alleles of multiple genes. The objective of the present work was to analyze the variation within a set of buckwheat cultivars representing different morphological types of the crop, and try to make out possible mechanisms that underlie it. Material and methods. A set of buckwheat cultivars of various origin and belonging to different morphological types were analyzed. The size of inflorescences was assessed as a number of their iterative subunits, i.e., partial floret clusters (PFCs). The number of mature seeds in the entire inflorescence and various PFCs was also counted. Results and conclusions. All the cultivars were variable, with the range at the species level from 6 to 24 PFCs. Accumulation of the genes determining a larger inflorescence seems to be simply explained: larger inflorescences tended to produce more seeds than smaller ones. However, it is not so easy to explain the maintenance of the inflorescence size variability, i.e., why the alleles determining small inflorescences were not lost during the artificial selection for higher seed productivity. Probably, such polymorphism may be useful for maintaining heterosis at the population level.

Seed traits inheritance in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. based on image analysis method.

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) is one of the most important orphan crops worldwide. Various research efforts have been done to improve cultivation methods to enhance important agronomic traits such as productivity and biotic/abiotic resistance. One important aspect is the seed trait, which has not been extensively studied due to the time-consuming and tedious nature of its examination. Despite this, understanding seed traits is crucial for meeting consumer needs and optimizing crop yields. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the inheritance of common buckwheat seed traits-such as shape, size, and coat color-using an image-based approach. This method allows for the analysis of a large number of seeds with a level of accuracy and precision that was previously unattainable. The results indicate that seed coat color is inherited maternally. Notably, the parameters in size had substantial increases acting like overdominance. The number of seeds that were harvested from F1s of each cross differed a lot depending on the cross combinations and pin/thrum type. In addition, seed size had large reduction in F1s from the different seed-sized parents, especially in thrum type. These may show that there could be cross barriers. The results revealed trends of maternal inheritance for seed shape and coat color in buckwheat, an area that has not been extensively studied. These findings could support buckwheat breeding efforts, helping to address market needs and food demands in the face of significant climate change.

High hydrostatic pressure processing of whole buckwheat grains to obtain functional gluten-free ingredients: Effect of pressure and holding time

High Hydrostatic pressure (HHP) represents an environmental-friendly and efficient non-thermal technology capable of inducing changes that can lead to functional improvements on starchy materials preserving the nutritional value of the original flours. The development of gluten-free (GF) flours and ingredients remain a challenge due to the need to improve the nutritional and techno-functional aspects of these commodities. Pre-soaked whole buckwheat (BW) grains were subjected to HHP treatment under different processing conditions: two pressure levels (300–600 MPa) and three holding times (0-5-15 min) to evaluate the techno-functional and nutritional response of the resulting flours. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in water absorption capacity and swelling capacity were observed in the flours resulting from longer treatment times (5–15 min) and the highest-pressure level (600 MPa). Higher thermal stability was also observed in the pasting profiles obtained for these flours. Flours resulting from HHP treatments at 600 MPa for 15 min also showed higher antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC). The resulting flour from these processing conditions was used at different concentrations (15, 30, 50, and 70 %) in a GF bread formulation. An increase in the elastic modulus values of the doughs, the specific volume of the resulting bread and a reduction in the crumb firmness were observed in the formulations containing the BW-modified flour compared to the counterparts made with a native flour. Therefore, it can be concluded that the HHP treatment of whole buckwheat grains represents an interesting alternative for the development of ingredients with suitable technological and nutritional properties for gluten-free bakery formulations.

Dried Laminaria thalli extract for stimulating germination and digestibility of oats and buckwheat

Despite their beneficial properties, cereal crops contain a number of antinutritive substances, the amount of which can be reduced by germination. In this work, we test the hypothesis about the possibility of stimulating the germination of cereal crops (on the example of oats and buckwheat) and increasing their digestibility using a dried Laminaria thalli extract. The research was conducted using hulless oats (Avena nudisativa) for germination and hulled buckwheat grain (Fagopyrum esculentum), as well as dried Laminaria thalli. Germination was carried out at a temperature of (20±2) °C for 120 h, using drinking water (control) and drinking water with addition of 1 wt% of dried kelp thalli. The germination intensity was assessed based on the mass of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. In all samples, the mass fraction of extractive substances and dry matter digestibility with modifications were determined. It was found that the addition of dried Laminaria thalli to water in the amount of 1 wt% stimulates the germination of oats and buckwheat, as well as their digestibility, significantly. The experimental samples demonstrated an improved water absorption and an increase in the weight of 1000 grains, sprout length, and the number of germinated grains. The use of dried Laminaria thalli extract in germination of oats and buckwheat for food purposes reduces the technological process up to two days with a simultaneous increase in digestibility and minimization of losses of extractive substances.

FtMYB163 Gene Encodes SG7 R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor from Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) to Promote Flavonol Accumulation in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) is a coarse grain crop rich in flavonoids that are beneficial to human health because they function as anti-inflammatories and provide protection against cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Flavonoid biosynthesis is a complex process, and relatively little is known about the regulatory pathways involved in Tartary buckwheat. Here, we cloned and characterized the FtMYB163 gene from Tartary buckwheat, which encodes a member of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor family. Amino acid sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicate that FtMYB163 is a member of subgroup 7 (SG7) and closely related to FeMYBF1, which regulates flavonol synthesis in common buckwheat (F. esculentum). We demonstrated that FtMYB163 localizes to the nucleus and has transcriptional activity. Expression levels of FtMYB163 in the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of F. tataricum were positively correlated with the total flavonoid contents of these tissues. Overexpression of FtMYB163 in transgenic Arabidopsis enhanced the expression of several genes involved in early flavonoid biosynthesis (AtCHS, AtCHI, AtF3H, and AtFLS) and significantly increased the accumulation of several flavonoids, including naringenin chalcone, naringenin-7-O-glucoside, eriodictyol, and eight flavonol compounds. Our findings demonstrate that FtMYB163 positively regulates flavonol biosynthesis by changing the expression of several key genes in flavonoid biosynthetic pathways.

The Influence of Rhizobial Nod Factors on the Synthesis of Flavonoids in Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Flavonoids constitute a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites synthesised mainly by plants and possessing anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Common buckwheat (F. esculentum Moench) is a dicotyledonous plant rich in different classes of flavonoids (e.g., rutin) and other phenolic compounds. Lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs), i.e., rhizobial Nod factors and important signalling molecules for the initiation of symbiosis with legumes, are very effective mitogens that stimulate cell division in plant meristems and the production of secondary metabolites. They can also act in this way in non-legume plants. It has been shown that rhizobial Nod factors noticeably improve plant growth. Rhizobial Nod factors influence the production of flavonoids in common buckwheat grown in greenhouse conditions. The amount of rutin and isoorientin in leaves and flowers has been shown to increase in a statistically significant way after application of Nod factors to buckwheat seeds. The presence of rhizobial Nod factors has no influence on the flavonoid content in stems and roots.

Inhibition mechanism of buckwheat hulls polyphenols on α-amylase and α-glucosidase using kinetics, spectroscopics and molecular docking approaches

The work investigated the activity inhibition of phenolic compounds in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) hulls (BH) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and clarified their possible mechanisms based on kinetics, spectroscopics and molecular docking analysis. The total polyphenols (BHP) from BH using an ultrasound-assisted alcohol extraction method was 210.50 mg GAE/g DW. The study identified a total of 33 polyphenolic compounds in the extracts of BH using UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, revealing that sixteen of these were novel polyphenolic substances not previously documented in this plant. BHP demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with IC50 values recorded at 27.16 μg/mL and 7.00 μg/mL, respectively, suggesting noncompetitive and mixed-type inhibition mechanisms. The fluorescence intensity of the enzymes was effectively quenched by BHP through a combination of dynamic and static quenching mechanisms, driven predominantly by hydrophobic interactions. BHP's interaction with the enzymes resulted in conformational changes that reduced their enzymatic activities. Molecular docking further revealed that six polyphenolic components of BHP had a strong affinity for binding with the active sites nestled in the enzymes' hydrophobic cavities, inhibiting their activity and potentially contributing to a reduction in blood glucose levels. The results could provide perspective for using BHP in the functional components of sugar-controlling foods.

Modulation of retrogradation properties by removal and retention of starch granule-associated lipids: A case study on buckwheat and wheat starches

The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of starch granule-associated lipids (SGALs) on retrogradation properties of buckwheat and wheat starches. According to the results, the removal of SGALs led to remarkable increase in the retrogradation enthalpy change of all starches and the strength of starch gels, as well as the density and short-range ordered structure of starch aggregates. The strength of starch gel experienced a rise from 3139.39 g to 3718.18 g in Tartary buckwheat, 2924.12 g to 3551.13 g in common buckwheat, and 1887.55 g to 2555.24 g in wheat, respectively. The removal of SGALs contributed to a decrease in the thermal stability of starches and an augmentation of amylose leaching during gelatinization process, which would strengthen the hydrogen bond interaction between starch molecules during cooling process, and promoting the rearrangement of the order structure of starch molecules. In general, these results indicated that the retention of SGALs could limit amylose leaching, then inhibited rearrangement and recrystallization of dissolved starch molecules, and ultimately delayed the short-term and long-term retrogradation process. This work further supplemented theoretical knowledge about SGALs in buckwheat and wheat starches, also provided a new perspective for regulating the physicochemical properties of starches.

Anaphylactic Shock Caused by Eating Buckwheat.

Background: Urticaria is a common disease with a marked influence on quality of life. The key cell involved is the mast cell, which can be activated by a vast variety of stimuli, and the major mediator is histamine. Allergic urticaria is a disorder with a large variety of causes: food, drugs, insect venom, skin contact with allergens, and physical exercise. Buckwheat consumption has increased in European countries and the USA because it is gluten-free. It can trigger anaphylactic shock if ingested, inhaled, or handled with the hands. Five common buckwheat allergens named Fag e1 to 5 (Fag e1, 2, and 3 are considered the major allergens) and two tartary buckwheat allergens named Fag t1 and Fag t2 have been described. Method: We present the case of a patient who experienced two anaphylactic shocks and in whom the etiological factor was buckwheat. The patient presented to the Allergology department for the evaluation of two episodes of severe allergic reactions that required emergency therapy, episodes that involved the loss of consciousness and were of major severity. At each anaphylactic shock, an ambulance was requested, and emergency therapy was administered, leading to the patient's recovery within a few hours. Diagnosis: Since each episode occurred a few minutes after eating, the diagnosis was established based on a detailed anamnesis and prick skin tests, followed by specific IgE dosages. Other foods consumed by the patient, assessed by prick skin testing and specific IgE dosages of suspected foods, were excluded as the etiological cause. Increased levels of buckwheat-specific immunoglobulin E were highlighted, thus identifying the etiological agent. The treatment of anaphylactic shock was performed urgently by the ambulance crew with adrenaline, infusion solutions, cortisone preparations, and antihistamines. Result: Following the treatment that was initiated, there was a partial remission of the lesions after a few hours. Conclusions: Buckwheat allergy is rare, but it produces symptoms that affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract, as well as anaphylaxis. In a professional environment, it can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, and hives. Although buckwheat allergens have been described, their clinical relevance has only been studied in a small number cases. In current practice, the only commercially available allergen is Beech e2 per the ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray. Diagnosis can be difficult in clinical practice. This reported case suggests the need for a thorough anamnesis, since buckwheat is consumed as a hidden allergen, and in Europe, it is not necessary to label foods containing this allergen.

Quantitative predictions of protein and total flavonoids content in Tartary and common buckwheat using near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics

A rapid method was developed for determining the total flavonoid and protein content in Tartary buckwheat by employing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and various machine learning algorithms, including partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The RAW-SPA-CV-SVR model exhibited superior predictive accuracy for both Tartary and common buckwheat, with a high coefficient of determination (R2p = 0.9811) and a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP = 0.1071) for flavonoids, outperforming both PLSR and BPNN models. Additionally, the MMN-SPA-PSO-SVR model demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting protein content (R2p = 0.9247, RMSEP = 0.3906), enhancing the effectiveness of the MMN preprocessing technique for preserving the original data distribution. These findings indicate that the proposed methodology could efficiently assess buckwheat adulteration analysis. It can also provide new insights for the development of a promising method for quantifying food adulteration and controlling food quality.

Аnalyzing buckwheat genotypes obtained on selective media with zinc in vitro using ISSR markers

The paper evaluates four ISSR-markers (М1, М2, М7, and М11) for their effectiveness in research on the genetic distances of regenerated Fagopyrum esculentum plants, which were obtained in vitro on selective media with high doses of ZnSO4×7 H2O (808–1313 mg/L). The level of polymorphism was determined to be high in the combined sample (74.4%). The obtained speciemens might be used in the breeding of new varieties with economically important traits.

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.

Characterization of Genetic Variability of Common and Tartary Buckwheat Genotypes Using Microsatellite Markers.

Buckwheat is a highly nutritional pseudocereal with antioxidant potential. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of 21 varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) and 14 varieties of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) using microsatellite markers. By analyzing 21 SSR markers, an average of 11.6 alleles per locus were amplified and an average PIC value of 0.711 was determined. We determined the heterozygous status of the individuals and variability in the set using the SSR analysis on the basis of expected heterozygosity (He, 0.477), observed heterozygosity (Ho, 0.675), Shannon's index (I, 0.820), and fixation indices (FST, FIS, FIT). Based on the SSR analyses, the lower level of expected heterozygosity in the analyzed set of Tartary buckwheat genotypes was observed compared to common buckwheat. With the help of a hierarchical cluster analysis using the UPGMA algorithm, Structure analysis, and PCoA analysis for the SSR markers, we divided the buckwheat varieties in the dendrogram into two main clusters according to the species. The AMOVA analysis showed that genetic variability between the individuals prevails in the analyzed set. The SSR technique proved to be a suitable tool for the determination of intra- and inter-varietal genetic variability and for analysis of diversity.

Nutritional profile, bioactive properties and potential health benefits of buckwheat: A review

AbstractThe present review focuses on the physico‐chemical properties of buckwheat (BW) and shows that its incorporation makes food more nutritious. The bioactive substances included in BW, including vitamins, proteins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, dietary fibre, and fagopyrins are effective in treating chronic illnesses. It is also a rich source of protein of excellent quality as it contains balanced amino acids. Various bioactive compounds like phenolics, flavonoids including orientin, quercetin, rutin, vitexin, isovitexin and isoorientin, tannins and steroids help in providing therapeutic benefits. It has a number of beneficial impacts on health, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐hemorrhagic, cardiovascular, antioxidant, and blood vessel protective properties. The food sector has experienced an increased interest in producing items based on BW, which boasts advantageous flavor profiles and technical attributes while offering health benefits and accommodating those with gluten sensitivity. BW is a beneficial ingredient for bread, rice, soup, cakes, noodles, cookies, and gluten‐free beer due to its functional properties. This review also emphasizes on the BW as a functional food in numerous industries including agriculture, food, pharmaceutical and as animal fodder. It provides researchers knowledge that could be useful for developing future plans, such as selecting BW as promising bioactive ingredients for functional foods.